What happened
The incident occurred during a flight training session involving a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a rated pilot. The CFI was actively instructing the rated pilot on the operation of a conventional landing gear airplane. During the approach and subsequent landing on runway 17, environmental conditions changed; specifically, the wind direction shifted to come from the north.
As the aircraft touched down and began its landing roll, the rated pilot started to lose directional control. In response to this loss of control, the CFI immediately took over control of the airplane. The instructor applied power in an attempt to maintain or regain control, but the aircraft subsequently ground-looped. This maneuver resulted in significant structural damage, specifically affecting the right wing and the elevator.
The investigation
The factual narrative indicates that the primary event was a loss of directional control during the landing roll phase. The sequence of events highlights the interaction between changing wind conditions and pilot handling capabilities under instruction. The ground loop was the direct mechanism for the reported damage to the airframe components.
Findings
Contributing factors included the shift in wind direction to the north during the critical landing phase on runway 17. The conventional landing gear configuration may have influenced the dynamics of the ground loop, though the immediate cause was the loss of control by the rated pilot and the subsequent corrective action of the CFI that did not prevent the ground loop.
Safety message
This event underscores the challenges of maintaining directional control during landing when wind conditions shift unexpectedly. It highlights the importance of crosswind landing techniques and the critical role of instructor intervention in training scenarios to mitigate risks associated with loss of control on the ground.